This is both a desirable and very scarce example of a World War I SMLE No. 1 Mk III* sniper rifle with the Aldis No. 3 pattern scope on Holland & Holland offset mounts. There were a variety of mounts and scopes made by different manufacturers and fitted to SMLE rifles for British use in the World War I, with the Aldis brand scopes considered to be the best made. By the end of World War I, a reported 9,788 SMLE sniper rifles were supplied and passed inspection by Enfield's Chief Inspector of Small Arms, with a very limited amount of these sniper rifles surviving today. While dedicated marksmen had been employed in military roles prior, the trenches of the Western Front were in many ways the birthplace of the modern military sniper, with both sides experimenting with small teams, specialist equipment, and techniques for stealthy advance and positioning. British experiments would include the use of high powered double barrel dangerous game rifles to punch through armored cover, as well as converted service rifles like this one; the latter would become the de-facto standard, and by World War II both the Axis and Allies would field sniper rifles in more effective roles. Blade front and windage adjustable tangent rear sights, with the 1918 date and model markings on the right of the stock socket, and the matching serial number marked on the receiver, bolt, and rear sight. "ALDIS BROTHERS/BIRMINGHAM/No 68481/1916." marked on top of the scope objective. The Holland & Holland scope bases are installed with screws to the left of the receiver, with "HOLLAND & HOLLAND/365" neatly inscribed on top of the rear scope ring and matching number "365" marked on the front scope base. Includes a period brown leather sling. Related information can be found in the book "The British Sniper" by Ian Skennerton, with a whole chapter on World War I British SMLE sniper rifles between pages 39-76, and this Aldis scope and H&H mount configuration is depicted with related information on pages 230-231 in which it indicates approximately 700+ were produced this way.

Very good, retains 50% arsenal refurbished blue finish with some scattered patches of light to mild pitting. Wood is also very good with numerous scattered scratches and dents, and a few small chips around the brass disc. Scope is fine, retains 90% original blue finish on the tube and rings, 75% original black painted finish on the brass, and crisp clear optics with functional range adjustment. Mechanically excellent. A highly desirable example of a World War I British SMLE sniper rifle with Aldis scope that would make a fine addition to any British military or sniper rifle collection!